Bluescope Steel

Winner - Sustainability (Excellence in Business Practice)

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Highly Commended - People Management (Excellence in Business Practice)

BlueScope Steel is the leading steel company in Australia and New Zealand, supplying a majority of all flat steel products sold in these markets. Its Western Sydney Service Centre (WSSC) operates a COLORBOND® steel paintline to process steel coil and produce a range of painted steel products.

Energy saving technologies have been designed into the state-of-the-art paintline process. These include a Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) to reuse gases generated and help minimise greenhouse gas emissions; and substantial water recycling systems. In addition, six on-site rainwater tanks collect run-off from roofs, which is used for cooling towers, irrigation and amenities blocks. The WSSC has achieved national accreditation under ISO 14000 for environmental management.

People management initiatives concentrate on developing aligned and capable front-line leaders, employees with a focus on customers and value and a high performance and continuous improvement culture and work practices.

The WSSC employs 73 people, mostly from the local area.

Lindsay PieMaking Equipment

Winner - Entrepreneur of the Year

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Highly Commended - Innovative Product or Service (Excellence in Innovation)

Lindsay PieMaking Equipment (LPME) has been producing pie machines, pie pallets, cookers, ancillary products and accessories for over 24 years. LPME has slashed manufacturing time by sourcing supplies from within the region so processes that once took 12 weeks now take between four and eight.

LPME understands its clients’ needs and customises its products accordingly. As a result, the Company has extended beyond its early ‘Simple Simon’ brand to produce the ‘Simone’ brand for the US market and ‘Junior’ for the Asian market.

LPME has developed export markets in the USA, Europe, NZ, Canada and Asia and is currently building markets in India, Pakistan, Korea and China. The Company’s strategic marketing and product development has resulted in 35% annual sales growth, new product designs and relocation to a larger manufacturing facility.

LPME employs 12 staff and has invested over $100,000 in R&D

Morgan's Coffee

Winner - Outstanding Product (Regional Excellence)

Morgan’s Coffee is a craft roaster of sustainably grown speciality coffees, operating since 2004. The Company also blends whole teas and organic drinking chocolate products.

Morgan’s strength is its supply of fresh, quality product, training and dedication to coffee service. Clients can produce an excellent cup at a sustainable margin, leading to an average growth in sales per customer of up to 250%. The freshly roasted micro-lot coffee is packed and managed so no product is used more than 21 days after roasting. The unique roast profile also highlights the origin characters of the coffees.

The Company invests significantly in R&D. Morgan’s develops relationships with growers and visits plantations to ensure they are top quality and environmentally sustainable.

Morgan’s Coffee has five employees and a sales turnover of over $1 million.

ASP Plastics

Winner - Outstanding Product (Regional Excellence)

ASP Healthcare, a division of ASP Plastics, is reducing harm in the community with its products slowing the transmission of HIV/AIDs, Hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases. Government reports indicate ASP’s products have helped save over 40,000 Australian lives in 10 years. The ASP Healthcare division, which works with governments, health professionals and community groups, was first formed in 2006.

The Company now produces over 150 products for over 30 countries. ASP Healthcare currently holds over 90% of the Australian harm reduction market. It won a A$40 million p.a. contract to supply the UK National Health Service in 2006 and recently had six products approved by the USA Food & Drug Administration - a market worth over A$100 million p.a.. ASP Healthcare also has hospital supply contracts with the Victorian Government and negotiations are underway in the USA, UK, Canada and New Zealand.

ASP Healthcare employs 25 people and invests 10% of revenue into R&D.

Laser Wizard

Finalist - Outstanding Service (Regional Excellence)

Laser Wizard uses laser cutting technology to accurately cut components for its clients in a wide variety of manufacturing industries. These industries include baking and bottling, security fencing, and signwriting. Laser Wizard’s state of the art technology cuts stainless and mild steel, ceramics, stone, wood, rubber and much more.

Laser Wizard also offers drafting services, materials recommendations and development of prototypes. It has invested in advanced manufacturing equipment and supporting infrastructure and continually upgrades equipment to provide quality components. The Business believes its services are above the industry standard and in line with its goal to supply quality products and services. Customers benefit by being able to produce their products faster and at a competitive price.

Based at St Marys, the Company was established in 1999 and has 24 employees.

The Detail Devils

Finalist - Entrepreneur of the Year

Maralyn Kastel established The Detail Devils in 2003 to provide unique Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and People Management Systems and products to businesses.

Maralyn and her team of six provide clients with documentation compliant with Australian OHS and industrial relations legislation, to address people management issues and reduce OHS risks.

Maralyn has a clear vision and direction for her company. She has taken many roles in the Firm including business planning, marketing and sales strategy, product development and enhancement and overall responsibility for building and growing a profitable enterprise. Maralyn is also responsible for the continual development of new products and services.